The Roon’d-up: Fennah spins West to victory
The Roon’d-Up is our regular summary of events on the field at West over the 2026 season. We’ll cover all the results as well as outstanding and notable performances throughout the season to keep you up to date on the latest events on at Hamilton Crescent.
Saturday
The Allied Vehicles West of Scotland XI won an extraordinary low scoring encounter by 35 runs at Kelburne. Put into bat on an ‘interesting’ looking pitch, West posted just 81 in 37 overs as Kelburne made the most of the conditions in Paisley. While Joe Carrasco top scored with 17, each of Kelburne’s five bowlers took two wickets, with Nasibullah Safi the pick taking a very tight 2 for 6 runs from 10 overs. But conditions didn’t improve as the home side took the crease, as they slumped to just 46 all out. Overseas opening bowler Mekyle Pillay started the rout with 3-21 before James Fennah produced an unbelievable spell of 5.4 overs, conceding 2 runs but taking 6 wickets to claim man of the match. West remain 4th in the Premiership One table ahead of the visit of Shimla Cottage Drumpellier next weekend.
The Partick XI couldn’t take advantage of their own bowling masterclass, however, as they were defeated by 13 runs at home to Whitehaugh. Kelburne’s second string won the toss and elected to bat under leaden skies in Glasgow but the early signs weren’t good for the visitors as they fell to 92 all out in 35 overs. Spin was the order of the day for Partick as Ben Cole (3-26), Innes Algie (2-20) and Jonathan Williams (2-1) appeared to give Partick an early advantage. But as one of the oldest adages goes, never judge a pitch until both teams have batted, and Partick were bowled out for just 79. Resistance came from opener Andy Appleton (26), skipper Chris Ross (12*) and Williams (11) but it wasn’t enough and Partick remain third below Whitehaugh who have won all six of their games so far.
Sunday
The Women‘s 2XI were victorious by 28 runs over Stenhousemuir on a sunny afternoon at Garscube. Skipper Cammy Sriram was able to give a debut to Maura Brown as West batted first making 89/5 from their 20 overs. Despite the heat, opener Sanjana Joshi batted out the full innings scoring 22 and there was support from Claire MacLeod (11) and a first senior batting performance from Inaya Hussain who ended 6 not out. A fine team bowling performance limited Stenhousemuir to 61/7 with two wickets a piece for Sriram, Hussain and Olivia McGhee. The result keeps West at the top of the Women’s Challenger League - West ahead of a return trip to Stenny in two weeks time.
Hamilton Crescent XI continued their recent good form defeating Anniesland by 7 wickets. Anniesland were reduced to 99 all out within 29 overs as a strong bowling performance limited scoring opportunities. Athsham Hussain took 3 wickets for 26, while there were two a piece for Rory Kemp Smith, skipper Moosa Vakil and Saaid Sufi. Hamilton Crescent made short work of their response completing the chase within 18 overs. Shaheer Hussain continued his strong recent form with a quickfire 40, including a huge six, while support from “Cobra” Rehan Mirza Ahmed (14), Akshat Fondekar (11) and stand in keeper Tanishq Charde (11*) saw the boys home. The victory makes it four wins in five for Hamilton Crescent who move to 4th in the Championship Two table.
The Sunday XI were also winners defeating a Hillhead XI by 54 runs at Hamilton Crescent. Batting first our Sunday finest posted 121, including an impressive cameo of 15 from captain Rizwan Hussain, having been 60/4 at one stage. A crucial counter attacking display from Hussain and John McDermott saw West beyond three figures. Opening bowler Samuel McMillan bowled a tight spell picking a crucial wicket as Hillhead‘s response floundered. Backed by the ever trusted Nakul Jain, West made quick inroads. Thomas Kitchen immediately struck with his first ball, taking two wickets altogether, before a match winning 5 wickets for just 4 runs from the sensational Adhrit Singh who finished Hillhead off 67 all out before the drinks break.
